Lu Htet Naing, Narinjara News, 21 February 2025 

Myanmar citizens residing in Thailand and individuals supporting migrant workers are calling for heightened vigilance as reports of targeted detentions of Myanmar nationals in Chiang Mai surface. 

An advocate for migrant workers said, "Other nationalities also violate the rules, but individuals from Myanmar must exercise extra caution. They are being detained in Chiang Mai on the directive of the Thai Police Chief. Arrests can occur even in the absence of proper documents, and even if someone has a TM30 but is residing elsewhere, they may still face arrest. All individuals exist under a registered name registry, meaning anyone can be apprehended. Exercise caution in your actions." 

On the night of February 20, the Chiang Mai Immigration Department reported the capture of eight undocumented individuals from Myanmar in Chiang Mai. 

The apprehensions were conducted by investigative teams overseen by the Deputy Police Commissioner of Chiang Mai Immigration, Colonel Sutheerthep Phonaruemit. The teams performed inspections on foreigners, including individuals running businesses in the region. 

Reports show that six out of the eight detained Myanmar nationals were caught with drugs, both using and distributing them. The suspects have allegedly admitted to the allegations. 

The heightened scrutiny in Chiang Mai comes after an order from Thai Police Chief Kitrat Panphet on February 17, instructing police agencies throughout Thailand to carefully observe the actions of foreigners. 

With the rise in police inspections nationwide, Myanmar migrant workers and citizens in Thailand are being urged by their compatriots in Chiang Mai to exercise heightened caution while traveling. 

A Shan individual residing in Thailand for 25 years stated, "Migrant workers' work permits in Thailand lapsed on February 13, yet the Thai government has permitted them to remain until August. Nonetheless, they remain subject to arrest under different laws. Detentions are occurring. Exercise caution with your actions." 

Thai authorities have been performing door-to-door searches and increasing inspections across Chiang Mai. 

As reported by individuals who have experienced inspections, earlier evaluations primarily targeted driver's licenses, helmets, and drug tests. Currently, officials are carefully examining identification and work permits. 

The permits for Myanmar migrant workers expired on February 13, but the Thai government has allowed them to stay in the country until August. 

Those supporting migrant workers in Chiang Mai recommend that persons with Myanmar migrant worker cards refrain from traveling beyond their assigned zones. If travel is essential, they need to secure travel permits from local officials, have appropriate documentation, and make sure to wear helmets and possess driver's licenses while operating motorbikes. 

On February 17, Thai Police Chief Kitrat Panphet gave an urgent directive to police units across the country, ordering them to carefully observe the actions of foreigners in their areas.